Dry Needling – After the initial examination, I may propose to do dry needling. Dry needling is a technique using a fine flexible and single use sterile needle. It releases shortened bands of muscle caused by abnormal functioning of the nervous system. Like any procedure, there can be complications. Although they are uncommon, they sometimes occur and must be considered prior to giving consent. No drugs are injected. Dry needling may cause increased pain for 1 to 3 days followed by an expected improvement overall. The increased pain is related to overactive shortened muscle bands that have not been released and to the soreness caused by the ‘twitching’ of the muscles. Any time a needle is used there is a risk of infection. However, I use new, disposable and sterile needles, and infections are extremely rare. A needle may be placed inadvertently in an artery or vein. If an artery or vein is punctured with the needle, a bruise may develop. If a nerve is touched, it may cause a prickling sensation which is usually brief but may continue for a few days. When a needle is placed close to the chest wall, there is a rare possibility of getting air in the chest cavity. Fortunately, all these complications are not fatal and are readily reversible.